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About this blog...

“America’s Favorite Tenor.” That was what they called James Melton from the 1920s through the 1950s. He was perhaps the first multi-media performer—in a career that spanned concerts, recordings, movies, the Metropolitan Opera, radio and television. His fame as a singer was equaled by his renown as an antique car collector. In this hobby he was a pioneer in recognizing these vehicles not only as an important part of America’s history, but as works of art. His career and his hobby reflected the two great technologies that knit the country together in the 20th century—the airwaves and the automobile.

Back in the Spring of 2003, I began mailing a semi-annual James Melton Newsletter to fans, friends and family. Its purpose was to keep them apprised of developments in the James Melton Project as a whole, and more specifically to solicit information for the biographical memoir I was writing about my father, and give updates on my progress with the manuscript and the CD I hoped to have produced.There seemed to be new information, new recordings, new reminiscences, and Melton memorabilia on e-bay, appearing on the web or in my mailbox every week.While the amount of new material may have dwindled somewhat in the past few years, the interest is still there, and my archives are bursting with memorabilia to be shared.So I’m taking this opportunity to expand my network even further by posting this information on line via the blogosphere.

I will do my best to keep a balance between James Melton’s vocation and his avocation, that is, between the music and the automobiles.

About Me

Saturday, April 6, 2013

1905 Fiat Touring Car

I received some interesting information the other day from Jonathan Sierakowski, who researches the provenance of antique autos for RM Auctions. He lets me know whenever he finds an ex-James Melton car. (Thank you Jonathan!)

Here’s what his most recent communiqué said about a car my father previously owned (but sold in 1942) that will come up for auction inItaly in May.

"

Heading the ever-expanding list of mouth-watering vehicles on offer is the 1905 FIAT 60HPFive-Passenger Touring Car, built especially for American-based brewing magnate August Anheuser Busch. The example on offer is the second of just 20 chassis manufactured, the first having been supplied to Anheuser Busch’s friend, Kaiser Wilhelm II, of Germany. Often thought of as one of the first true, cost-no-object supercars, this mighty FIAT was ordered through the American importer Hollander and Tangman, and the completed chassis was delivered to the luxury coachbuilder Quimby, in New Jersey. Spectacularly extravagant and expensive in period—it cost in excess of $20,000, a staggering sum in 1905—chassis 3003 is offered for sale publicly for the first time in 108 years, having lived most of its life within a few miles of its very first home.

Described as being totally original, including paint, brasswork, upholstery and mechanics, and with complete matching numbers throughout, this FIAT now represents the only one of its kind left in the world, and it is without doubt one of the most coveted examples of the early high-powered, road going race cars to be found. With its aluminum-clad body, it still boasts many unique mechanical features fitted exclusively to the car in period. It is offered in excellent running condition, yet it retains a wonderful patina accrued over its 108-year life. The car graced the lawns of Pebble Beach at the 2012 Concours d’Elegance, and most recently, it was displayed at the LeMay America’s Museum."

1 comment:

I am the director of the Humboldt Museum in Winnemucca, NV. Recently we had a visitor come through the museum who later went home and could stop thinking about one of the automobiles we have on display. She contacted me for the automobile's make and history. Unfortunately, I only was able to provide the make- 1907 International Auto-Buggy and the information pertaining to how the Museum came to possess the auto. Later that day the visitor again contacted me via email with the link to your blog wondering if there is a connection. You see, our 1907 Auto-Buggy has 3 signs-- 2 on either side that say "Welcome Wagon Hypoluxo, FL" and one on the front that says "James Melton Autorama". This automobile is by no means in perfect condition; it has had many changes to it over the years I'm sure. Anyhow, I was wondering if there is any way to know if this automobile may have in fact been part of your father's collection. I do have a serial number and photos I could send you. Any information you are able to provide me would help the Museum present a better story to its visitors. Please feel free to email me: dana@humboldtmuseum.org or contact the museum at (775) 623-2912.